Office Hours: The Truth About Environmental Toxins (And How to Protect Yourself) — Episode 1120
Auto-extracted preview. These recommendations were transcribed and classified from the episode audio. Timestamps link to the source; classifications are not yet editorially verified.
What Mark Hyman recommended
In transcript order-
Sponsor read
Sponsor read promoting Function Health membership offering 160+ lab tests for $365/year including advanced cardiovascular panel testing Lp(a).
“over 160 lab tests at just $365 a year
DosageUse code Mark2026 at functionhealth.com/Mark for $50 off membershipCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Recommends this book about endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment.
“Our Stolen Future, all about the endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Use glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic to reduce BPA/phthalate exposure.
“use glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Never heat food in plastic—no Tupperware, no saran wrap, no microwaving in plastic.
“Never ever heat food in plastic, never
Certaintyexplicitstrong warning -
Alternative
Choose BPA-free cans or glass jars over conventional canned foods.
“Choose BPA free cans or glass jars
CaveatsBPA replacements may be similar; glass is betterCertaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Avoid touching or accepting receipts when possible due to BPA content.
“don't get the receipt or don't touch it if you can help it
Certaintyhedgedmild caution -
In a protocol
Use the EWG Skin Deep app to scan personal care products for toxic ingredients.
“EWG has a great app called Skin Deep
CaveatsSpeaker discloses he is on the EWG boardCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Personal use of Tom's toothpaste as a safer option.
“I'll use Tom's Toothpaste
CaveatsNo affiliation disclosedCertaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Avoid glyphosate exposure; it damages gut microbiome, increases inflammation and cancer risk with transgenerational effects.
“one of the most toxic compounds out there. It should be banned
Certaintyexplicitstrong warning -
In a protocol
Eat organic when possible, especially items on EWG's Dirty Dozen list like strawberries and celery.
“do your best to eat organic when you can
DosagePrioritize Dirty Dozen items; Clean 15 less criticalCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Ask your doctor to test Lp(a) since it's not on standard cholesterol panels and silently increases heart disease risk.
“ask about lipoprotein little a or LP little a
CaveatsNot on standard cholesterol panelsCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Don't use toxic lawn chemicals at home.
“don't use lawn chemicals
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Avoid large predatory fish like shark, swordfish, and tuna due to bioaccumulated mercury.
“Shark, swordfish, tuna
Certaintyexplicitstrong warning -
In a protocol
Filter drinking water with a reverse osmosis system at home to remove metals, pesticides, and chemicals.
“I have a reverse osmosis filter at home
DosageReplace minerals via multivitamin/electrolytes since RO removes themCaveatsNeed to replace minerals with multivitamin or electrolytesCertaintyexplicitpersonal use -
Test old houses for lead contamination.
“if you're living in an old house, make sure you test it for lead
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Check your home for hidden mold, especially in air vents and HVAC systems.
“check your home for mold
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Be wary of gas stoves; research suggests they can cause asthma, brain fog, and immune disruption.
“Gas stoves, they're a big deal
Certaintyhedgedmild caution -
Keep windows open, especially with new furniture, to reduce VOCs.
“Keep your windows open
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Alternative
Uses an Essentia latex mattress made of natural materials as a non-toxic alternative to Tempur-Pedic.
“latex mattress... it's from Essentia
Certaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Negative experience with Tempur-Pedic due to chemical off-gassing smell.
“this thing just stinks... off-gassing of all the chemicals
Certaintypersonal onlymild caution -
In a protocol
Use a HEPA or Ultra-HEPA air purifier with activated carbon in rooms where you spend the most time.
“HEPA or Ultra-HEPA air purifier with activated carbon
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Buy solid wood furniture instead of particle board; consider antiques to avoid off-gassing.
“look for solid wood instead of particle board
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Choose low-VOC or non-VOC paints and finishes.
“low VOC or non-VOC finishes like paints
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Look for certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR-US, and FSC-certified wood when buying furniture/bedding.
“Greenguard, CertiPure Us for foam, FSC certified wood
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Eat broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, brussels sprouts to upregulate liver detoxification.
“broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Include garlic and onions to support detoxification.
“garlic and onions are great
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Eat adequate protein, particularly glycine-rich sources, to support glutathione synthesis and liver detox.
“requires amino acids, especially glycine
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
B vitamins including B12, folate, B6 support methylation, a key detoxification step.
“B vitamins, really important. Methylation is a key step
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Eat plenty of fiber to ensure regular bowel movements and prevent reabsorption of toxins.
“fiber is really important, pooping regularly is important
DosageAim for 1-3 bowel movements per dayCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Include fermented foods to support a healthy gut microbiome.
“Fermented foods are great
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Sponsor read
Join the Hyman Hive community for deeper engagement on toxin-smart living.
“join the Hyman Hive
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Sponsor read
Promotes Dr. Hyman's six-week Brain Shaping Academy program for brain/mental health.
“Brain Shaping Academy, a six-week program
Dosage6-week program at drhyman.com/brainshapingCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement